News from Ireland - news from around the 32 counties

Locking doors and windows is one of the most basic safety precautions the P.S.N.I. recommends to avoid falling victim to thieves.

But two weeks ago, opportunistic criminals stole two kit bags from a police vehicle in Antrim after officers failed to take their own advice and secure the car.

The officers were attending a report of theft at a property in Caulside on Monday, November 26 when the items were stolen.

A P.S.N.I. spokesperson confirmed the incident had occurred but stressed that none of the items taken was a risk to the public.
[Source: Antrim Guardian]

ARMAGH

The close-knit community in Jonesboro has been left stunned and saddened at the passing, within hours of each other, of two of its most well-known and respected citizens.

Late on Tuesday evening, December 4, the sudden and untimely death of Patrick McMullan occurred in his Regina Park home. Patrick, better known as Tatty, was a prominent and popular figure in the area and his passing has left a huge void in the community, and particularly in the lives of his wife, seven children and grandchildren.

Just hours later people were further devastated with news that Tatty’s friend and next-door neighbor, Paul Connolly, was killed in a tragic road accident on Wednesday morning, Dec. 5.
[Source: Examiner Newspaper]

CARLOW

Minister of State Michael Ring has defended the allocation of $260,000 to his local football club in County Mayo.

The grant to Westport United F.C. was part of $34 million in new funding for local sports projects that was announced last Monday.

Mr. Ring said his department received a record number of applications for funding and the money was allocated to counties based on the population.

He said he gave 20 percent extra to those counties who had not benefitted as much from grants in the past, such as Carlow, Cavan and Wicklow.
[Source: RTE News]

CAVAN

Three Garda (police) stations will close next year as part of a money-saving ”restructuring” announced on Wednesday, December 5.

Minister for Justice Alan Shatter has announced that he will shut 100 stations nationally, with the county losing three rural bases – Stradone, Redhills and Bawnboy Garda stations.

The Anglo Celt exclusively reported the closures of the stations as far back as June and had information that a further three were on a list of possible closures.
[Source: The Anglo Celt]

CLARE

A 90-year-old Ennis man has described as “insulting” a letter he received from the HSE asking if he still needs treatment – 12 years after he was first referred by his doctor.

Kevin Stapleton from College Green had been suffering with his instep when he was referred by his doctor to the Regional Orthopaedic Hospital in Croom back in December 2000.

He never got an appointment but last week he received a letter asking him to confirm if he still needs treatment. The H.S.E. gave him two weeks to respond.

“That letter is a joke, after 12 years I think it’s insulting to get this,” Mr. Stapleton said.
[Source: Clare Champion]

CORK

Gardaí (police) in Cork have recovered almost $52,000 in jewelry stolen from houses around the city in the past few weeks as part of an anti-theft operation that will continue over Christmas.

The clampdown is targeting well-organized gangs that specialize in burglaries, as well as professional shoplifters.

Blackrock Road, Douglas and Bishopstown are believed to be the main targets of crime gangs travelling from all over the country on stealing sprees between 9 a.m. and 9 p.m.

Three women from Dublin were arrested recently after a city center shoplifting session that saw them gather over $8,000 worth of goods from hard-pressed retailers.
[Source: Cork Independent]

DERRY

A man has been treated for a dislocated shoulder, broken ribs and head injuries after being attacked in Derry.

Police say the 43-year old was attacked in the Fern Park area of the city on November 15 and has spent two weeks in hospital recovering from his injuries.

They say they want to speak to three teenage males who were seen on a quad bike in the area at the time of the attack.
[Source: Derry Journal]
DONEGAL

The people of Donegal Town and environs were shocked and saddened to learn of the tragic death of Aaron Scott, of Copany, Donegal Town last Wednesday.

The popular 26-year-old, who worked at L.I.D.L., was reported missing earlier that day.

Gardaí (police) then received a report of a car at Lough Eske and, on investigation, recovered his body from Lough Eske at around 11 a.m.

Supt. Leo McGinn confirmed that there are “no suspicious circumstances” in relation to the death.
[Source: Donegal Democrat]

DOWN

Police and emergency services are dealing with a suspected toxic gas leak on a ship at a harbor in County Down.

The M.V. Arklow Meadow docked in Warrenpoint Harbor with a cargo of grain last Wednesday.